Staying Safe & Avoiding Scams in Your Community

Common Scams That Target Newcomers by Phone, Text, Email, and Social Media

Scammers often target immigrants because they hope you are still learning how things work in the U.S. Knowing the most common tricks can help you stay safe and avoid losing money or personal information.

📞 Phone Scams

Scammers may call and pretend to be from a government agency or company.

• Fake government calls: Someone claims to be from immigration, the IRS, or the police and says you owe money or will be arrested.
• Urgent threats: They pressure you to pay immediately using gift cards, wire transfers, or apps.
• Red flag: Real government agencies do not call to demand money.

💬 Text Message Scams

Scammers send messages that look urgent or official.

• Package delivery scams: “Your package is waiting. Click here to confirm.”
• Bank alerts: “Your account is locked. Log in now.”
• Red flag: Links in unexpected texts often lead to fake websites.

📧 Email Scams

Emails may look real but are designed to steal your information.

• Fake job offers: Promises of high pay with no interview.
• Phishing emails: Messages asking you to “verify your account” or “update your password.”
• Red flag: Poor spelling, strange email addresses, or unexpected attachments.

🌐 Social Media Scams

Scammers use social platforms to trick people into sending money or sharing personal details.

• Fake marketplace listings: Cheap items that do not exist.
• Romance scams: Someone builds trust online and then asks for money.
• Community group scams: Fake “help” posts asking for donations or personal information.

How to Protect Your Personal Information and Money

Protecting your information is one of the strongest ways to prevent scams. Scammers cannot harm you if they cannot access your personal details or money.

🔐 Protect Your Personal Information

Be careful with what you share, especially online.

• Do not share: Social Security numbers, bank details, immigration documents, or ID photos with strangers.
• Use strong passwords: Combine letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Enable two‑step verification: Adds extra security to your accounts.

💳 Protect Your Money

Scammers often try to make you pay quickly before you can think clearly.

• Never pay with: Gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or money apps to strangers.
• Use secure payment methods: Credit cards offer the strongest protections.
• Keep receipts: They help if you need to dispute a charge.

📱 Protect Your Devices

Keeping your phone and computer secure helps prevent hacking.

• Update software: Install updates when your device asks.
• Use antivirus tools: They help block harmful websites.
• Lock your phone: Use a PIN or fingerprint.

How to Check If a Message or Offer Is Real Before You Respond

Scammers try to create fear or excitement so you act quickly. Slowing down and checking a few details can help you avoid trouble.

🔎 Step 1: Look Closely at the Sender

Scammers often use names that look official but are slightly different.

• Email: Check the full address, not just the display name.
• Phone: Unknown numbers or numbers from other states may be suspicious.
• Social media: Fake accounts often have few posts or followers.

📝 Step 2: Read the Message Carefully

Scam messages often include warning signs.

• Urgent language: “Act now,” “You will be arrested,” “Your account will close.”
• Spelling mistakes: Many scam messages have errors.
• Unexpected attachments: These may contain viruses.

🌐 Step 3: Verify Through an Official Source

Do not use the phone number or link in the message.

• Government agencies: Visit the official website directly.
• Banks: Call the number on the back of your card.
• Delivery companies: Check your tracking number on their real website.

⏳ Step 4: Take Your Time

Real organizations do not pressure you to respond immediately.

• Pause: Scammers want you to act fast.
• Ask someone you trust: A second opinion can help.
• Delete suspicious messages: Do not click any links.

Where to Report Scams and Get Help If You Are Worried

If you think you were targeted by a scam, you are not alone. Many people—newcomers and long‑time residents—experience this. Reporting scams helps protect you and others.

🚓 Local Police (Non‑Emergency)

You can report scams to your local police department, especially if you lost money.

• Use the non‑emergency number: Not 911 unless you are in danger.
• Bring details: Screenshots, phone numbers, receipts, or messages.

🛡️ Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

The FTC collects reports about scams across the U.S.

• Report online: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• Why it helps: They track patterns and shut down scam operations.

📨 State Consumer Protection Offices

Every state has an office that helps residents with fraud and consumer issues.

• They can: Provide guidance, investigate businesses, and offer resources.
• Find yours: Search “consumer protection” + your state name.

🏦 Your Bank or Credit Card Company

If you sent money or shared financial information, contact your bank immediately.

• They may: Freeze your account, reverse charges, or block suspicious activity.
• Act quickly: The sooner you call, the better.

🤝 Community Organizations

Local immigrant support groups can help you understand what happened and what to do next.

• They offer: Guidance, translation help, and emotional support.
• You are not alone: Many newcomers face similar challenges.